STRICTLY’S Kevin Clifton has finally spoken about new love Stacey Dooley — saying she is a “miracle” after his recent “struggles”.

The pro, 36, who split from his dancer wife Karen last March, also complained about being in the limelight.

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He was branded a “slimy snake” by Stacey’s ex Sam Tucknott, who revealed the pair’s secret romance to the Sun on Sunday last weekend.

Kevin said: “In the last couple of years I’ve seen massive upheaval in my personal life and it hasn’t always been easy.

“There have been a lot of things thrown at me. At times I’ve struggled. And the times I’ve struggled and I was in a bit of a rut I didn’t know what to do.”

The three-times married dancer said new show Burn the Floor had helped.

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And he paid tribute to dance partner Stacey for helping him to win Strictly.

He said: “Thanks to Miss Stacey Dooley, I can finally say I’m the Strictly champion after six years of trying. It’s a miracle.”

Kev, speaking at Burn the Floor’s first night in Southport, avoided talking directly about his latest love.

Stacey, 32, is in Colorado filming a documentary called Stacey Dooley and the Bounty Hunters: The Good, the Bad and the Deadly, about people who bring fugitives to justice for cash.

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The couple got together after she split from Sam at Christmas.

The furious ex said: “I have no respect for Kevin. I’ve tried to meet him since to get ­closure, but he won’t do it.

“He’s an absolute complete f***ing rat with no b*****ks or decency to hear me out.”

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